CENSORED: The art show they didn’t want you to see – Danielle SanderJanuary 4 – February 9, 2019

Art and Censorship have a long and complicated history. While some artists make it part of their mission to push the boundaries of societal norms, most artists simply believe that their work is sacred and a true form of expression that transcends any limitations put on other parts of society. While the boundary pushing artists commonly receive headlines about their controversial works, many artists that are simply expressing themselves have their artwork censored in one way or another by the exhibition space. Reasons for the censorship vary with some galleries having personal standards of acceptability while other times the exhibitors are forced to censor based on public reaction.

Fortunately, most artists in Central Pennsylvania have not been forced to experience censorship. Whether this is due to the region’s acceptance of challenging art or the lack of major media sources that can incense public reaction is up for debate. Unfortunately, a recent exhibition by an emerging artist from Lock Haven was censored as the works were deemed inappropriate for the establishment in which they were exhibited. Believing that art should not be censored, Arthaus Projects will exhibit the works by emerging artist Danielle Sander as they were meant to be displayed. “CENSORED: The Art Show They Didn’t Want You to See” will be on display from January 4 – February 9, 2019. An opening reception is planned for the First Friday in January, from 6 – 9 pm.

This show features a storyline of painful emotions, disturbing memories and troubling hardships, but expressed through a vibrancy of illuminating colors instead of a dark-muted palette. Creating works that showcase the depths of the artists misfortunes, she has experienced healing and more understanding into her own darkness.

Danielle has been drawing since a young age, but after starting at Lock Haven University, she has been given opportunities to explore mediums she never once used. She has always gravitated towards two-dimensional art, but now applying her artistic abilities into three-dimensional works, she have another outlet for personal expression.

Though the work may be grotesque in nature, we want to open the discussion regarding censorship of art in our region. We hope that you come see “CENSORED: The Art Show They Didn’t Want You to See” to experience the full show as intended by Danielle Sander.

About the Artist

Danielle Sander is a senior at Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania majoring in the fine arts. Danielle has achieved numerous recognitions for her artworks and she was awarded the Presidential Purchase Award in 2016. After graduation, she will be pursuing her Master’s in the Fine Arts.

Danielle is drawn to artists who use art as catharsis, an outlet for personal healing. Her objective is to produce artworks that reject the concept of being traditionally pretty. By channeling her own reality into her creations and using symbolism to help communicate the message, Danielle has developed a unique style. Danielle embraces this freedom to exhibit the rawness of our harsh culture, but while using a vibrant palette to help create juxtaposition. She wants her artworks to be approachable through the vibrancy, but then shed light on issues we face in our unsympathetic civilization. Recognizing that silence exemplifies powerlessness within our own society, Danielle’s focus is to create beautifully disturbing works of art.

About Arthaus Projects

Arthaus Projects is fostering creativity through contemporary fine art. Inspired by the Staatliches Bauhaus (commonly known as Bauhaus), a German art school that famously combined crafts and fine arts teaching with an emphasis on design, Arthaus Projects strives to make fine, contemporary art accessible to the local community. More than that, Arthaus Projects seeks to provide community education through exhibitions, colloquia and collaborative projects. Arthaus Projects takes a project-based approach to our exhibitions combining interactive exhibits (such as artist talks and live demonstrations) with traditional gallery installations.

So why Arthaus Projects? Because a gallery doesn’t define what we are going to do for the Williamsport arts scene. As a community resource, Arthaus Projects will provide greater career opportunities in the arts for students, emerging artists and established artists that promote innovative, contemporary ideas. In order to do this, we do need your help, because Arthaus Projects is a 501(c)(3) organization.

Arthaus Projects will continue the legacy of Converge Gallery but push us into a brand new direction. We are more than just hanging pretty pictures on the wall. We’re the next stage in the evolution of the Lycoming County Arts Scene